Port St. Joe: Coast, Nature and History

If you’re looking for a hotel in Port St. Joe, your interests can help guide your stay. Options range from a trail with bay views to protected coastal landscapes and sites that recall Florida’s early constitutional history. Nature, waterfront trails and historical themes offer different focuses to choose from.

Landscapes and Nature

Two distinct landscapes meet at T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. On the side facing the Gulf of America, white-sand beaches and tall dunes define the coast; toward St. Joseph Bay, there are marshlands. This contrast between the Gulf Coast and the bay side is a distinctive feature of the park. It is also a habitat for beach-nesting birds, including the snowy plover, three sea turtle species and the two remaining core populations of the endangered St. Andrews beach mouse. Swimming is also one of the activities available in the park. The landscape, wildlife and an activity in the water offer different aspects to explore.

Trails and Waterfront Access

The Bay Walk Trail offers a natural path made of crushed oyster shells, views of the bay and a fresh breeze from the Gulf. At the William J. “Billy Joe” Rish Recreation Area, boardwalks lead to the beach, the bay, the swimming pool and a nature trail. The two places have different focuses: the Bay Walk Trail is characterized by its path surface and bay views, while several destinations can be reached via boardwalks at the recreation area. The William J. “Billy Joe” Rish Recreation Area is designated for recreational opportunities for people with disabilities, their families and caregivers.

Lighthouse History and Florida’s Early Constitution

The history of Cape San Blas Lighthouse can also be understood through two distinct events. The Cape San Blas Lighthouse complex was relocated to the Core Park in Port St. Joe on July 15, 2014. On May 7, 2015, the Cape San Blas Lighthouse District was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The dates refer to different events: the relocation of the complex and the district’s addition to the register.

The Constitution Convention Museum State Park focuses on the creation of Florida’s first constitution. The park commemorates the work of the territory’s 56 delegates, who drafted this constitution in 1838. It also displays artifacts from the original settlement in St. Joseph. A self-guided tour leads through exhibits and artifacts from the period of Florida’s first constitution. Check in advance whether the tour is accessible during your visit. The history of the constitution and physical evidence of the original settlement are presented side by side.

For the broader travel overview: Gulf County.